How to cope well with Down syndrome
Down syndrome is often considered a lifelong problem, so patients really need a lot of support and learn coping measures to deal with the different challenges. The response of patients will be different, as well as their personal, mental and emotional capacity to handle new situations. Discover the best approaches that lead to independence and well-being.
expert tips
It is important that you consult professionals first, before determining the appropriate approaches that lead to a better and healthier lifestyle. You can belong to an online forum or a local support group. Start talking about the situation with others who share the same concerns and feelings as you. It is important to know that patients’ reactions may differ based on their own personal experiences and abilities.
Find out the most reliable ways and the coping measures that worked for most patients. Talk therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other rehabilitation methods are some of the proven ways. There are also medications that can be prescribed, if other symptoms or conditions are present. These should only be used if they are really recommended by the experts.
Help begins within
You need to start by finding the right coping measures to fully support your child. She may experience feelings of guilt, fear, shock, and disbelief. Take note that your baby is the one who needs the most attention and support right now. She takes charge of her emotions and understands ways to improve and adapt accordingly. You can start by rearranging the home to provide safety and security for the baby, changing her schedule to give her more time, and knowing the proper diet, toys, and other tools for independence.
Family support
Other family members must also help during the most critical stages of the child’s life. Although milestones can be reached at a later age, each person in the house should contribute to boosting overall well-being. If you intend to breastfeed your baby, you should first consult your doctor, as babies with Down syndrome tend to have low muscle tone or hypotonia. They may have difficulty breastfeeding properly. Breastfeeding can actually help immunity and other functions for the baby.
Siblings can take turns caring for the baby. Other relatives may also come to help the child improve her social and communication skills. Take your child to different places with different people to build her confidence. The family must coordinate well to meet the baby’s needs until he is ready to do things on his own.
taking it slow
Coping techniques need to be built in slowly for patients to face challenges and learn to be independent. Don’t push the patient so hard to reach new heights and congratulate and praise him for small efforts. Parents should also be kind to themselves and stop blaming the wrong reasons. Down syndrome is a genetic condition that people really have no control over.
The effects and symptoms of Down syndrome are often lifelong, so individuals and families need to be prepared for them. Parents should also not stop giving birth to more children because they have a history of the condition. Although it is not entirely impossible, many parents are able to continue giving birth to normal children despite the fact that the previous one had Down syndrome.
